iStream

iStabilised Tube Reinforced Exo-Frame Automotive Manufacture

• The iStream® design process is a complete re-think on high volume materials and the manufacturing process, and will lead to a significant reduction in CO2 emissions over the lifecycle of the vehicles produced using it, compared with conventional ones.

• To date, advances in architecture and weight reduction have lagged behind powertrain advances but have more to offer in terms of reducing emissions and increasing fuel efficiency than any of the current innovations.

• The design process has therefore been built around the mantra of ‘Think Light’. All materials for each variant are carefully selected to be as light as possible whilst being ‘fit for purpose’.

• Materials must also have the lowest lifecycle impact that meets design requirements and often make use of the latest ‘cutting edge’ lightweight composite materials.

• Component parts are minimised through multi-functional component design and careful consideration of tooling requirements. In turn this further supports low cost manufacture, reduces unnecessary complexity and significantly reduces life-cycle impacts.

• The process of ‘package protection’ effectively ‘future proofs’ the designs to ensure that variants can be easily adapted to take alternative powertrains as they become viable without a complete redesign e.g. electric, hybrid variants, hydrogen etc. This also significantly reduces the risk of developing a variant that is incompatible with future demand and legislation.

• Reducing energy use and waste from ‘cradle to grave’ provides significant marketing opportunities from an environmental perspective and reduce the risks of noncompliance with future legislation. Low design and development costs yet high quality.